video calls Archives

AppWizard

September 15, 2026

XChat, X’s messaging app is unavailable on the Apple Store and Android’s Play Store

XChat was launched in April 2026 as a dedicated app for private conversations, featuring end-to-end encryption, disappearing messages, direct messaging, group chats, audio and video calls, file sharing, and PIN protection. It was designed to be ad-free and included features like message editing and notifications for screenshots. After its public launch, XChat's future became uncertain when it was abruptly removed from the digital landscape, with no explanation from X regarding the reasons for its withdrawal or its potential return.

AppWizard

September 9, 2026

Walmart is selling a $200 Android tablet for 55% off

The Zonko Android 16 Tablet is currently available at Walmart for a 55% discount, priced at $— down from its original price of $—. It features a 10-inch 1280×800 HD IPS display, dual speakers, an 8MP front camera, and a 13MP rear camera. The tablet runs on the Android 16 operating system, has 12GB of RAM, and 64GB of internal storage (expandable up to 512GB). It includes a 6000 mAh battery with a lifespan of 32 to 48 hours, and dual-band 2.4G/5G WiFi. The purchase comes with an accessory bundle including a Bluetooth keyboard, mouse, stylus pen, screen protector, protective case, and charger. The tablet supports Google Mobile Services and is pre-installed with Google Play. It is noted for its affordability and quality, although it has a limited number of reviews and does not support Apple apps.

AppWizard

September 9, 2026

Walmart is selling a $200 Android tablet for 55% off

Walmart is offering a limited-time Flash deal on the Zonko Android 16 Tablet, reducing its price by 55% from its original price of 0 to 5. The tablet features a 10-inch 1280×800 HD IPS display, Android 16 operating system, dual speakers, an 8MP front camera, and a 13MP rear camera. It includes 12GB of RAM, 64GB of storage (expandable up to 512GB), and a 6000 mAh battery with a lifespan of 32 to 48 hours. The purchase comes with an accessories bundle that includes a Bluetooth keyboard, mouse, stylus pen, screen protector, protective case, and charger. The tablet supports Google Mobile Services and is pre-installed with Google Play. It has parental controls for safety and dual-band 2.4G/5G WiFi for stable internet connectivity.

AppWizard

September 8, 2026

Are Free VPNs for Android Actually Worth Using

A free VPN for Android can improve internet privacy, especially on untrusted networks, but it has limitations, such as not guaranteeing complete anonymity or security. The VPN creates an encrypted tunnel between the device and the server, protecting traffic from local monitoring but not ensuring overall security if poorly implemented. Changing your IP address does not guarantee anonymity, as account logins and tracking technologies can still identify users. Free VPNs may be suitable for low-risk tasks, like occasional browsing on public Wi-Fi, but they do not protect against malware or phishing. Providers often rely on alternative revenue sources, such as advertising or data sharing, which necessitates careful examination of their privacy policies. Free VPNs may have limitations like data caps, slower speeds, and fewer server options compared to paid services. Users should evaluate the provider’s background, privacy policy, permissions, and performance before installation. A paid VPN generally offers better reliability, support, and transparency, making it a safer choice for sensitive activities.

BetaBeacon

August 21, 2026

Motorola Edge 70 Max Has Android 16, 90W Charging

Motorola Edge 70 Max features a Snapdragon 8 Gen 5 processor, a 7,100 mAh battery, and a 144 Hz AMOLED display.

Winsage

August 5, 2026

Smarter Business Starts with a Better Operating System—Get Windows 11 Pro for Just $11.23 Right Now

A lifetime license to Microsoft Windows 11 Pro is available for , down from the regular price of 9, valid through August 9 with the promotional code AUG25. Key features include BitLocker for encryption, Hyper-V for virtual machines, Windows Sandbox for secure testing, and Azure AD support. The licensing model is a one-time purchase for a single compatible PC, eliminating recurring fees. Users should confirm their PC meets Windows 11 system requirements before purchasing.

AppWizard

August 5, 2026

Tor launches Snowflake Android app to help users bypass censorship

The Tor Project has launched Snowflake Volunteer, an Android app that allows users to share their internet bandwidth to help others bypass online censorship. Snowflake functions as a Tor pluggable transport, disguising user traffic as video calls and routing it through temporary proxies managed by volunteers, making detection by censors more difficult. The app was developed by Bloco, a Portuguese studio, in collaboration with Tor’s anti-censorship team and is designed to be user-friendly while minimizing battery consumption. Users can configure the app to operate on unmetered networks and limit connections. Snowflake Volunteer is available on Google Play and F-Droid, with its source code also accessible for independent use. Volunteers are advised to consider their data limits and device impact before using the app.

AppWizard

August 4, 2026

Tor launches Snowflake Android app to help users bypass censorship

The Tor Project has launched an Android app called Snowflake Volunteer, allowing users to share their internet bandwidth to help others bypass online censorship. The app enhances the network of volunteer-operated Snowflake proxies while enabling users to manage their device's battery and network usage. Snowflake disguises internet traffic to resemble video calls, making it harder for censors to block connections. Developed by Bloco in collaboration with Tor’s anti-censorship team, the app is built on mobile Tor components and is designed for background operation. Users can configure the app to run on unmetered networks and during charging. Snowflake Volunteer is available for download on Google Play and F-Droid, with its source code accessible for independent compilation. Volunteers are advised to consider their data limits and device performance when using the app.

Winsage

July 21, 2026

Windows 11 bloat proves too much for Microsoft’s new 8GB Surface Laptop

Microsoft introduced the Surface Pro 12 and Surface Laptop 8, starting at 9, with lower-end specifications including an older Snapdragon chipset and 8GB of RAM. Reviews indicate that while these devices perform adequately for basic tasks, they struggle with more demanding activities, such as video calls on Microsoft Teams, leading to freezing and hanging issues. The device utilized approximately 6.7GB of its available 7.6GB of memory during typical usage, and even a reboot reduced memory consumption to around 4.2GB, which quickly increased with just a few Chrome tabs open. Users have expressed that 8GB of RAM is insufficient for reliable performance, despite Windows 11 having a minimum requirement of 4GB. Historically, Microsoft recommended 16GB of RAM for a seamless experience, but this recommendation has been omitted for the new 8GB devices, which are now described as suitable for everyday use. An additional 8GB is required to access Copilot+ AI features.

Winsage

July 18, 2026

Sound Recorder, Camera, and Windows Studio Effects

Windows 11 includes a suite of audio and video recording applications: Sound Recorder, Camera, and Windows Studio Effects. The Sound Recorder app allows audio capture using PC microphones, featuring a navigation pane, recording area, and playback controls. Users can customize audio input in the Settings app under System > Sound, selecting microphones and adjusting quality formats like “CD quality” or “Studio quality.” Within the Sound Recorder app, users can change the recording format (default is AAC) to MP3, WMA, FLAC, or WAV and set audio quality to Best, High, or Medium. To record audio, users click the red “Start recording” button, with options to stop, pause, or mark significant moments using keyboard shortcuts. Recordings can be played back, managed, shared, renamed, or deleted through the app's interface. Users can also import compatible audio files into Sound Recorder. The Camera app allows users to take photos, record videos, and scan items using the PC's webcam, with an interface similar to smartphone camera apps. Users can customize camera settings in the Settings app under Bluetooth > Cameras, adjusting brightness, contrast, and resolution. Photos are taken in Photo mode, while videos are recorded in Video mode, with options for pausing without creating new files. Windows Studio Effects offers AI-driven enhancements for audio and video calls, requiring a Neural Processing Unit (NPU) for some features. Enhancements include automatic framing, background effects, creative filters, eye contact simulation, portrait lighting adjustments, and voice focus. Compatibility can be checked in Quick settings or the Settings app under Bluetooth & devices > Cameras. Each effect can be configured individually through the Settings app or supported applications.